Method for manipulating and printing captured images

ABSTRACT

A method for conveniently applying various effects to a captured digital image is disclosed. A digital camera to carry out the method includes a reader to image manipulation instructions printed on a card and an image printer for printing manipulated images. The method involves reading the image manipulation instructions from the card and manipulating a pre-captured image on the basis of the instructions. Complex manipulations can be readily carried out by inserting a sequence of the cards in a particular order to apply a desired effect to the captured image. Once the desired image manipulations have been applied the manipulated image is printed out.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/666,495 filed on Sep. 22, 2003, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,142,which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,790 filed onJul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,008.

The following Australian provisional patent applications are herebyincorporated by reference. For the purposes of location andidentification, U.S. patents/patent applications identified by theirU.S. patent/patent application serial numbers are listed alongside theAustralian applications from which the U.S. patents/patent applicationsclaim the right of priority.

US PATENT/PATENT CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION AUSTRALIAN (CLAIMING RIGHTOF PROVISIONAL PRIORITY FROM PATENT AUSTRALIAN PROVISIONAL DOCKETAPPLICATION NO. APPLICATION) NO. PO7991 6,750,901 ART01US PO85056,476,863 ART02US PO7988 6,788,336 ART03US PO9395 6,322,181 ART04USPO8017 6,597,817 ART06US PO8014 6,227,648 ART07US PO8025 6,727,948ART08US PO8032 6,690,419 ART09US PO7999 6,727,951 ART10US PO80306,196,541 ART13US PO7997 6,195,150 ART15US PO7979 6,362,868 ART16USPO7978 6,831,681 ART18US PO7982 6,431,669 ART19US PO7989 6,362,869ART20US PO8019 6,472,052 ART21US PO7980 6,356,715 ART22US PO80186,894,694 ART24US PO7938 6,636,216 ART25US PO8016 6,366,693 ART26USPO8024 6,329,990 ART27US PO7939 6,459,495 ART29US PO8501 6,137,500ART30US PO8500 6,690,416 ART31US PO7987 7,050,143 ART32US PO80226,398,328 ART33US PO8497 7,110,024 ART34US PO8020 6,431,704 ART38USPO8504 6,879,341 ART42US PO8000 6,415,054 ART43US PO7934 6,665,454ART45US PO7990 6,542,645 ART46US PO8499 6,486,886 ART47US PO85026,381,361 ART48US PO7981 6,317,192 ART50US PO7986 6,850,274 ART51USPO7983 09/113,054  ART52US PO8026 6,646,757 ART53US PO8028 6,624,848ART56US PO9394 6,357,135 ART57US PO9397 6,271,931 ART59US PO93986,353,772 ART60US PO9399 6,106,147 ART61US PO9400 6,665,008 ART62USPO9401 6,304,291 ART63US PO9403 6,305,770 ART65US PO9405 6,289,262ART66US PP0959 6,315,200 ART68US PP1397 6,217,165 ART69US PP23706,786,420 DOT01US PO8003 6,350,023 Fluid01US PO8005 6,318,849 Fluid02USPO8066 6,227,652 IJ01US PO8072 6,213,588 IJ02US PO8040 6,213,589 IJ03USPO8071 6,231,163 IJ04US PO8047 6,247,795 IJ05US PO8035 6,394,581 IJ06USPO8044 6,244,691 IJ07US PO8063 6,257,704 IJ08US PO8057 6,416,168 IJ09USPO8056 6,220,694 IJ10US PO8069 6,257,705 IJ11US PO8049 6,247,794 IJ12USPO8036 6,234,610 IJ13US PO8048 6,247,793 IJ14US PO8070 6,264,306 IJ15USPO8067 6,241,342 IJ16US PO8001 6,247,792 IJ17US PO8038 6,264,307 IJ18USPO8033 6,254,220 IJ19US PO8002 6,234,611 IJ20US PO8068 6,302,528 IJ21USPO8062 6,283.582 IJ22US PO8034 6,239,821 IJ23US PO8039 6,338,547 IJ24USPO8041 6,247,796 IJ25US PO8004 6,557,977 IJ26US PO8037 6,390,603 IJ27USPO8043 6,362,843 IJ28US PO8042 6,293,653 IJ29US PO8064 6,312,107 IJ30USPO9389 6,227,653 IJ31US PO9391 6,234,609 IJ32US PP0888 6,238,040 IJ33USPP0891 6,188,415 IJ34US PP0890 6,227,654 IJ35US PP0873 6,209,989 IJ36USPP0993 6,247,791 IJ37US PP0890 6,336,710 IJ38US PP1398 6,217,153 IJ39USPP2592 6,416,167 IJ40US PP2593 6,243,113 IJ41US PP3991 6,283,581 IJ42USPP3987 6,247,790 IJ43US PP3985 6,260,953 IJ44US PP3983 6,267,469 IJ45USPO7935 6,224,780 IJM01US PO7936 6,235,212 IJM02US PO7937 6,280,643IJM03US PO8061 6,284,147 IJM04US PO8054 6,214,244 IJM05US PO80656,071,750 IJM06US PO8055 6,267,905 IJM07US PO8053 6,251,298 IJM08USPO8078 6,258,285 IJM09US PO7933 6,225,138 IJM10US PO7950 6,241,904IJM11US PO7949 6,299,786 IJM12US PO8060 6,866,789 IJM13US PO80596,231,773 IJM14US PO8073 6,190,931 IJM15US PO8076 6,248,249 IJM16USPO8075 6,290,862 1JM17US PO8079 6,241,906 IJM18US PO8050 6,565,762IJM19US PO8052 6,241,905 IJM20US PO7948 6,451,216 IJM21US PO79516,231,772 IJM22US PO8074 6,274,056 IJM23US PO7941 6,290,861 IJM24USPO8077 6,248,248 IJM25US P08058 6,306,671 IJM26US PO8051 6,331,258IJM27US PO8045 6,111,754 IJM28US PO7952 6,294,101 IJM29US PO80466,416,679 IJM30US PO9390 6,264,849 IJM31US PO9392 6,254,793 IJM32USPP0889 6,235,211 IJM35US PP0887 6,491,833 IJM36US PP0882 6,264,850IJM37US PP0874 6,258,284 IJM38US PP1396 6,312,615 IJM39US PP39896,228,668 IJM40US PP2591 6,180,427 IJM41US PP3990 6,171,875 IJM42USPP3986 6,267,904 IJM43US PP3984 6,245,247 IJM44US PP3982 6,315,914IJM45US PP0895 6,231,148 IR01US PP0869 6,293,658 IR04US PP0887 6,614,560IR05US PP0885 6,238,033 IR06US PP0884 6,312,070 IR10US PP0886 6,238,111IR12US PP0877 6,378,970 IR16US PP0878 6,196,739 IR17US PP0883 6,270,182IR19US PP0880 6,152,619 IR20US PO8006 6,087,638 MEMS02US PO80076,340,222 MEMS03US PO8010 6,041,600 MEMS05US PO8011 6,299,300 MEMS06USPO7947 6,067,797 MEMS07US PO7944 6,286,935 MEMS09US PO7946 6,044,646MEMS10US PP0894 6,382,769 MEMS13US

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the operation of a digital cameradevice for the production of useful effects. In particular, the presentinvention relates to the utilisation of special cards, hereinaftercalled “Meta-Artcards” which are adapted to be inserted into a cameradevice so as to produce new and unusual effects. In particular, there isprovided an Artcard for the Control of the operation of a camera device.

BACKGROUND OF TEE INVENTION

In Australian provisional patent specification PO7991 entitled “ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus (Art 01)” filed 15 Jul. 1997 andAustralian provisional patent specification PO8505 entitled “ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus (Art 01a)” filed 11 Aug. 1997, filed bythe present applicant in addition to a number of associated applicationsfiled simultaneously therewith, there is disclosed a camera system ableto print out images on demand through the utilisation of an internalprint head and print roll having a print media film in addition to aninternal ink supply for utilisation by said camera system.

The aforementioned specifications further disclose the utilisation of aseries of cards, hereinafter known as “Artcards” which are adapted to beinserted into the camera device so as to produce significant visualeffects to any images captured utilising the camera device. The effectsare further designed to be printed out on demand utilising the integralinternal print head of the camera device.

It would be advantageous to have a system which allowed for theeffective servicing and diagnosis of faults which may occur in theaforementioned camera systems. Additionally, it would be desirable toprovide an alternative form for control of the camera which utilises theforgoing Artcard technologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a series ofmeta cards which are adapted to uniquely control the operation of acamera device system such as that disclosed in the aforementioned patentspecifications.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a digital camera system comprising an image sensor for sensingan image; storage means for storing the sensed image and associatedsystem structures; data input means for the insertion of an imagemodification data module for modification of the sensed image; processormeans interconnected to the image sensor, the storage means and the datainput means for the control of the camera system in addition to themanipulation of the sensed image; printer means for printing out thesensed image on demand on print media supplied to the printer means; anda method of providing a camera control data module adapted to cause theprocessor means to modify the manner in which the digital camera systemoperates upon the insertion of further image modification data modules.

Preferably, the image modification data module comprises a card havingthe data encoded on the surface thereof and the data encoding is in theform of printing and the data input means includes an optical scannerfor scanning a surface of the card. The modification of operation caninclude applying each image modification in turn of a series of insertedimage modification modules to the same image in a cumulative manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the operation of an Artcam system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first example modified operation of a Artcamsystem;

FIG. 3 illustrates a repetition card which modifies the operation ofthat Artcam device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a Artcard test card for modification of the operationof an Artcam device; and

FIG. 5 illustrates the output test results of an Artcam device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitableprogramming of a hand held camera device such as that described inAustralian Provisional Patent Application No. PO7991 entitled “ImageProcessing Method and Apparatus (Art 01)” filed 15 Jul., 1997 with alarge number of associated applications in addition to AustralianProvisional patent Application No. PO 8505 entitled “Image ProcessingMethod and Apparatus (Art 01a)” filed 11th Aug., 1997, again with anumber of associated applications.

The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system,hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images canbe directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit Further, theaforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performingvarious manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing deviceleading to the production of various effects in any output image. Themanipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can beimplemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards havingencoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, thecards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further hassignificant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit(ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage ofimportant data and images.

The basics of the aforementioned Artcam arrangement are indicated inschematic form 1 in FIG. 1. The arrangement includes a CCD sensor 2 forsensing an image or scene. Additionally, an Artcard reader sensor 3 isprovided for sensing the reading of an Artcard 8 upon which is encodedimage manipulation algorithms for manipulation for the sensed image.Both the CCD sensor 2 and Artcard reader 3 are interconnected to anArtcard central processing unit (ACP) 4 which provides complexcomputational power for manipulation of the sensed image. Additionally,a memory unit 5 is provided for the storage of images, sensed data,programs etc. Interconnected to the ACP 4 is a print head 6 for theprinting out of final photos 7 on print media supplied from an internalprint roll.

In the preferred embodiments, a unique series of Artcards 8 are providedfor insertion into Artcard reader 3 for the unique modified control ofthe Artcam central processor 4. A first example is as illustrated withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3 and provides for the utilisation of multipleArtcards so as to provide overlapping or multiplicative image effects. Asuitable replicative Artcard is as illustrated 10 in FIG. 3 whichcontains on one surface thereof instructions on how to operate thecamera device so as to cause the effects to be combined. The Artcard 10contains, on the second surface thereof, instructions for the operationof the Artcam device so as to cause the combining effect. Turning toFIG. 2, there is illustrated an example of the operation of therepetition card so as to produce combined effects. The Artcam system winhave a sensed or stored image 12 of a particular scene. The first stepis to insert a repetition card 13 which contains a code to modify theoperation of the Artcam system so as to enter a repetition mode. Next, afirst Artcard 14 is inserted in the Artcard reader which results in afirst effect 15 being applied to the image in accordance with theinstructions on the Artcard 14. Next, the repetition card is againinserted 16 followed by a second Artcard 17 which, produces a secondeffect 18 which can, for example, be the placement of a text message onthe image 18. Next, the repetition card is again inserted 19 before athird Artcard 20 is inserted so as to provide a further effect in theimage 21. The process of FIG. 2 can be iteratively continued inaccordance with requirements so as to produce a desired output image. Inthis way, the apparatus of the aforementioned patent specification canbe utilised with an increased flexibility for the production of combinedeffects from single effect Artcards. Further, the user interfaceprovided is simple and effective for the production of combined effects.Of course, many modifications can be provided. For example, in analternative embodiment, the repetition card may only be inserted onceand then a series of Artcards is inserted subsequent to the repetitioncard being inserted with the system resilient after printout.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an alternative Artcard 30which is provided for internal testing of the Artcam system. Each Artcamsystem can be provided with a number of internal test routines which arestored in the internal ROM of the Artcam system. The test can beaccessed by specialised function calls in the interpretive languageprovided within the Artcam central processor. The routines can be Artcamdevice specific and can, for example, include:

-   -   the printing out of test patterns to determine the operational        state of the print head;    -   the printing out of test patterns which result in the        operational manipulation of the print head (for example,        printing all black) so as to clean nozzles and to set up nozzle        arrangements which result in improved operation of the print        head;    -   test patterns can be printed for later analysis so as to show        the effectiveness of the operation of the print head;    -   Turning to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an example test output        35 which can include various informative internal data 36 in        addition to the printing out of test patterns 37. The test        patterns 37 can later be examined by means of automated or        manual methods to determine any problems which may exist with        the camera system. The preferred embodiment can be implemented        through the utilisation of hard wired software routines        programmed in the Artcam device and stored in ROM memory.

Of course, many refinements can be envisaged in that the routines can beupdated and changed from model to model and the number of tests isvirtually unlimited. In this way, the operation of the camera device canbe modified in accordance with the inserted card.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention asshown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention as broadly described. The pot embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Ofcourse many different devices could be used. However presently popularink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal ink jet is power consumption.This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stemsfrom the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves therapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink.Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermalink jet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, fromelectricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric ink jet is size andcost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonabledrive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle.Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuiton a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at thecurrent limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a majorimpediment to the fabrication of pagewidth print heads with 19,200nozzles.

Ideally, the ink jet technologies used meet the stringent requirementsof in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed,low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digitalphotography, new ink jet technologies have been created. The targetfeature include:

-   -   low power (less than 10 Watts)    -   high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)    -   photograhic quality output    -   low manufacturing cost    -   small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)    -   high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the ink jet systemsdescribed below with differing levels of difficulty. Forty-fivedifferent ink jet technologies have been developed by the Assignee togive a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. Thesetechnologies form part of separate applications assigned to the presetAssignee as set out in the list under the heading Cross References toRelated Applications.

The ink jet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digitalprinting systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras,through to desk and network printers, and through to commercial printingsystems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print headis designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS postprocessing. For color photograhic applications, the print head is 100 mmlong, with a width which depends upon the ink jet type. The smallestprint head designed is covered in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/112,764, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm.The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and controlcircuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection moldedplastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which canbe created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standardinjection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the waferto the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. Theprint head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automatedbonding.

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Ink Jets

The present invention is useful in the field of digital printing, inparticular, ink jet printing. A number of patent applications in thisfield were flied simultaneously and incorporated by cross reference.

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation ofindividual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristicsare largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an elevendimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix includeentries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

-   -   Actuator mechanism (18 types)    -   Basic operation mode (7 types)    -   Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)    -   Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)    -   Actuator motion (19 types)    -   Nozzle refill method (4 types)    -   Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)    -   Nozzle cleaning method (9 types)    -   Nozzle plate construction (9 types)    -   Drop ejection direction (5 types)    -   Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all ofthe possible combinations result in a viable ink jet technology, manymillion configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical toelucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjettypes have been investigated in detail. Forty-five such inkjet typeswere filed simultaneously to the present application.

Other ink jet configurations can readily be derived from theseforty-five examples by substituting alternative configurations along oneor more of the 11 axes. Most of the forty-five examples can be made intoinkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currentlyavailable ink jet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more ofthese examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below.The simultaneously filed patent applications by the present applicantare listed by USSN numbers. In some cases, a print technology may belisted more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics withmore than one entry.

Suitable applications for the inkjet technologies include: Homeprinters, Office network printers, Short run digital printers,Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWWprinters, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers,Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems,Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrixare set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) DescriptionAdvantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal Large forceHigh power Canon Bubblejet 1979 bubble heater heats the ink generatedInk carrier limited Endo et al GB patent to above boiling Simple towater 2,007,162 point, transferring construction Low efficiency Xeroxheater-in-pit significant heat to No moving High temperatures 1990Hawkins et al the aqueous ink. A parts required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181bubble nucleates Fast operation High mechanical Hewlett-Packard TIJ andquickly forms, Small chip area stress 1982 Vaught et al U.S. expellingthe ink. required for Unusual materials Pat. No. 4,490,728 Theefficiency of the actuator required process is low, with Large drivetypically less than transistors 0.05% of the Cavitation causeselectrical energy actuator failure being transformed Kogation reducesinto kinetic energy bubble formation of the drop. Large print heads aredifficult to fabricate Piezo- A piezoelectric Low power Very large areaKyser et al U.S. Pat. electric crystal such as lead consumption requiredfor No. 3,946,398 lanthanum zirconate Many ink types actuator ZoltanU.S. Pat. No. (PZT) is electrically can be used Difficult to 3,683,212activated, and either Fast operation integrate with 1973 Stemme U.S.Pat. No. expands, shears, or High efficiency electronics 3,747,120 bendsto apply High voltage drive Epson Stylus pressure to the ink,transistors Tektronix ejecting drops. required USSN 09/112,803 Fullpagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator size Requireselectrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electro- Anelectric field is Low power Low maximum Seiko Epson, Usui et allstrictive used to activate consumption strain (approx. JP 253401/96electrostriction in Many ink types 0.01%) USSN 09/112,803 relaxormaterials can be used Large area such as lead Low thermal required forlanthanum zirconate expansion actuator due to titanate (PLZT) orElectric field low strain lead magnesium strength Response speed isniobate (PMN). required marginal (~10 μs) (approx. 3.5 High voltagedrive V/μm) can be transistors generated required without Full pagewidthdifficulty print heads Does not impractical due to require actuator sizeelectrical poling Ferro- An electric field is Low power Difficult toUSSN 09/112,803 electric used to induce a consumption integrate withphase transition Many ink types electronics between the can be usedUnusual materials antiferroelectric Fast operation such as PLZSnT (AFE)and (<1 μs) are required ferroelectric (FE) Relatively high Actuatorsrequire phase. Perovskite longitudinal a large area materials such astin strain modified lead High efficiency lanthanum zirconate Electricfield titanate (PLZSnT) strength of exhibit large strains around 3 V/μmof up to 1% can be readily associated with the provided AFE to FE phasetransition. Electro- Conductive plates Low power Difficult to USSN09/112,787; static are separated by a consumption operate 09/112,803plates compressible or Many ink types electrostatic fluid dielectric canbe used devices in an (usually air). Upon Fast operation aqueousapplication of a environment voltage, the plates The electrostaticattract each other actuator will and displace ink, normally need tocausing drop be separated from ejection. The the ink conductive platesVery large area may be in a comb or required to honeycomb achieve highstructure, or stacked forces to increase the High voltage drive surfacearea and transistors may be therefore the force. required Full pagewidthprint heads are not competitive due to actuator size Electro- A strongelectric Low current High voltage 1989 Saito et al, U.S. static pullfield is applied to consumption required Pat. No. 4,799,068 on ink theink, whereupon Low May be damaged 1989 Miura et al, U.S. electrostatictemperature by sparks due to Pat. No. 4,810,954 attraction air breakdownTone-jet accelerates the ink Required field towards the print strengthincreases medium. as the drop size decreases High voltage drivetransistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent Anelectromagnet Low power Complex USSN 09/113,084; magnet directlyattracts a consumption fabrication 09/112,779 electro- permanent magnet,Many ink types Permanent magnetic displacing ink and can be usedmagnetic material causing drop Fast operation such as ejection. Rareearth High efficiency Neodymium Iron magnets with a field Easy extensionBoron (NdFeB) strength around 1 from single required. Tesla can be used.nozzles to High local Examples are: pagewidth print currents requiredSamarium Cobalt heads Copper (SaCo) and metalization magnetic materialsshould be used for in the neodymium long iron boron familyelectromigration (NdFeB, lifetime and low NdDyFeBNb, resistivityNdDyFeB, etc) Pigmented inks are usually infeasible Operatingtemperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Soft Asolenoid induced Low power Complex USSN 09/112,751; magnetic a magneticfield in a consumption fabrication 09/113,097; 09/113,066; core softmagnetic core Many ink types Materials not 09/112,779; 09/113,061;electro- or yoke fabricated can be used usually present in 09/112,816;09/112,772; magnetic from a ferrous Fast operation a CMOS fab such09/112,815 material such as High efficiency as NiFe, CoNiFe,electroplated iron Easy extension or CoFe are alloys such as from singlerequired CoNiFe [1], CoFe, nozzles to High local or NiFe alloys.pagewidth print currents required Typically, the soft heads Coppermagnetic material is metalization in two parts, which should be used forare normally held long apart by a spring. electromigration When thesolenoid lifetime and low is actuated, the two resistivity partsattract, Electroplating is displacing the ink. required High saturationflux density is required (2.0–2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1])Lorenz The Lorenz force Low power Force acts as a USSN 09/113,099; forceacting on a current consumption twisting motion 09/113,077; 09/112,818;carrying wire in a Many ink types Typically, only a 09/112,819 magneticfield is can be used quarter of the utilized. Fast operation solenoidlength This allows the High efficiency provides force in a magneticfield to be Easy extension useful direction supplied externally fromsingle High local to the print head, for nozzles to currents requiredexample with rare pagewidth print Copper earth permanent headsmetalization magnets. should be used for Only the current long carryingwire need electromigration be fabricated on the lifetime and lowprint-head, resistivity simplifying Pigmented inks materials are usuallyrequirements. infeasible Magneto- The actuator uses Many ink types Forceacts as a Fischenbeck, U.S. striction the giant can be used twistingmotion Pat. No. 4,032,929 magnetostrictive Fast operation Unusualmaterials USSN 09/113,121 effect of materials Easy extension such asTerfenol- such as Terfenol-D from single D are required (an alloy ofterbium, nozzles to High local dysprosium and iron pagewidth printcurrents required developed at the heads Copper Naval Ordnance Highforce is metalization Laboratory, hence available should be used forTer-Fe-NOL). For long best efficiency, the electromigration actuatorshould be lifetime and low pre-stressed to resistivity approx. 8 MPa.Pre-stressing may be required Surface Ink under positive Low powerRequires Silverbrook, EP 0771 tension pressure is held in a consumptionsupplementary 658 A2 and related reduction nozzle by surface Simpleforce to effect patent applications tension. The surface constructiondrop separation tension of the ink is No unusual Requires specialreduced below the materials ink surfactants bubble threshold, requiredin Speed may be causing the ink to fabrication limited by egress fromthe High efficiency surfactant nozzle. Easy extension properties fromsingle nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity isSimple Requires Silverbrook, EP 0771 reduction locally reduced toconstruction supplementary 658 A2 and related select which drops Nounusual force to effect patent applications are to be ejected. Amaterials drop separation viscosity reduction required in Requiresspecial can be achieved fabrication ink viscosity electrothermally Easyextension properties with most inks, but from single High speed isspecial inks can be nozzles to difficult to achieve engineered for apagewidth print Requires 100:1 viscosity heads oscillating inkreduction. pressure A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees)is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is Can operate Complex drive 1993Hadimioglu et al, generated and without a nozzle circuitry EUP 550,192focussed upon the plate Complex 1993 Elrod et al, EUP drop ejectionregion. fabrication 572,220 Low efficiency Poor control of drop positionPoor control of drop volume Thermo- An actuator which Low powerEfficient aqueous USSN 09/112,802; elastic relies upon consumptionoperation requires 09/112,778; 09/112,815; bend differential thermalMany ink types a thermal insulator 09/113,096; 09/113,068; actuatorexpansion upon can be used on the hot side 09/113,095; 09/112,808; Jouleheating is Simple planar Corrosion 09/112,809; 09/112,780; used.fabrication prevention can be 09/113,083; 09/112,793; Small chip areadifficult 09/112,794; 09/113,128; required for Pigmented inks09/113,127; 09/112,756; each actuator may be infeasible, 09/112,755;09/112,754; Fast operation as pigment 09/112,811; 09/112,812; Highefficiency particles may jam 09/112,813; 09/112,814; CMOS the bendactuator 09/112,764; 09/112,765; compatible 09/112,767; 09/112,768voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extensionfrom single nozzles to pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with aHigh force can Requires special USSN 09/112,778; thermo- very highcoefficient be generated material (e.g. 09/112,815; 09/113,096; elasticof thermal Three methods PTFE) 09/113,095; 09/112,808; actuatorexpansion (CTE) of PTFE Requires a PTFE 09/112,809; 09/112,780; such asdeposition are deposition 09/113,083; 09/112,793;polytetrafluoroethylene under process, which is 09/112,794; 09/113,128;(PTFE) is used. development: not yet standard in 09/113,127; 09/112,756;As high CTE chemical vapor ULSI fabs 09/112,807; 09/112,806; materialsare usually deposition PTFE deposition 09/112,820 non-conductive, a(CVD), spin cannot be heater fabricated coating, and followed with froma conductive evaporation high temperature material is PTFE is a (above350° C.) incorporated. A 50 candidate for processing μm long PTFE bendlow dielectric Pigmented inks actuator with constant may be infeasible,polysilicon heater insulation in as pigment and 15 mW power ULSIparticles may jam input can provide Very low power the bend actuator 180μN force and 10 consumption μm deflection. Many ink types Actuatormotions can be used include: Simple planar Bend fabrication Push Smallchip area Buckle required for Rotate each actuator Fast operation Highefficiency CMOS compatible voltages and currents Easy extension fromsingle nozzles to pagewidth print heads Conduc- A polymer with a Highforce can Requires special USSN 09/113,083 tive high coefficient of begenerated materials polymer thermal expansion Very low power developmentthermo- (such as PTFE) is consumption (High CTE elastic doped with Manyink types conductive actuator conducting can be used polymer) substancesto Simple planar Requires a PTFE increase its fabrication depositionconductivity to Small chip area process, which is about 3 orders ofrequired for not yet standard in magnitude below each actuator ULSI fabsthat of copper. The Fast operation PTFE deposition conducting polymerHigh efficiency cannot be expands when CMOS followed with resistivelyheated. compatible high temperature Examples of voltages and (above 350°C.) conducting dopants currents processing include: Easy extensionEvaporation and Carbon nanotubes from single CVD deposition Metal fibersnozzles to techniques cannot Conductive pagewidth print be used polymerssuch as heads Pigmented inks doped may be infeasible, polythiophene aspigment Carbon granules particles may jam the bend actuator Shape Ashape memory High force is Fatigue limits USSN 09/113,122 memory alloysuch as TiNi available maximum number alloy (also known as (stresses ofof cycles Nitinol - Nickel hundreds of Low strain (1%) is Titanium alloyMPa) required to extend developed at the Large strain is fatigueresistance Naval Ordnance available (more Cycle rate limited Laboratory)is than 3%) by heat removal thermally switched High corrosion Requiresunusual between its weak resistance materials (TiNi) martensitic stateand Simple The latent heat of its high stiffness constructiontransformation austenic state. The Easy extension must be provided shapeof the actuator from single High current in its martensitic nozzles tooperation state is deformed pagewidth print Requires pre- relative tothe heads stressing to distort austenic shape. The Low voltage themartensitic shape change causes operation state ejection of a drop.Linear Linear magnetic Linear Magnetic Requires unusual USSN 09/113,061Magnetic actuators include the actuators can be semiconductor ActuatorLinear Induction constructed with materials such as Actuator (LIA), highthrust, long soft magnetic Linear Permanent travel, and high alloys(e.g. Magnet efficiency using CoNiFe) Synchronous planar Some varietiesActuator (LPMSA), semiconductor also require Linear Reluctancefabrication permanent Synchronous techniques magnetic Actuator (LRSA),Long actuator materials such as Linear Switched travel is Neodymium ironReluctance Actuator available boron (NdFeB) (LSRA), and the Medium forceis Requires complex Linear Stepper available multi-phase drive Actuator(LSA). Low voltage circuitry operation High current operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Description Advantages Disadvantages ExamplesActuator This is the simplest Simple Drop repetition Thermal ink jetdirectly mode of operation: operation rate is usually Piezoelectric inkjet pushes ink the actuator directly No external limited to around USSN09/112,751; supplies sufficient fields required 10 kHz. 09/112,787;09/112,802; kinetic energy to Satellite drops However, this is09/112,803; 09/113,097; expel the drop. The can be avoided notfundamental 09/113,099; 09/113,084; drop must have a if drop velocity tothe method, 09/112,778; 09/113,077; sufficient velocity to is less than4 but is related to 09/113,061; 09/112,816; overcome the m/s the refillmethod 09/112,819; 09/113,095; surface tension. Can be efficient,normally used 09/112,809; 09/112,780; depending upon All of the drop09/113,083; 09/113,121; the actuator kinetic energy 09/113,122;09/112,793; used must be provided 09/112,794; 09/113,128; by theactuator 09/113,127; 09/112,756; Satellite drops 09/112,755; 09/112,754;usually form if 09/112,811; 09/112,812; drop velocity is 09/112,813;09/112,814; greater than 4.5 09/112,764; 09/112,765; m/s 09/112,767;09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820 Proximity The drops to beVery simple Requires close Silverbrook, EP 0771 printed are selectedprint head proximity 658 A2 and related by some manner fabrication canbetween the print patent applications (e.g. thermally be used head andthe induced surface The drop print media or tension reduction ofselection means transfer roller pressurized ink). does not need to Mayrequire two Selected drops are provide the print heads separated fromthe energy required printing alternate ink in the nozzle by to separatethe rows of the contact with the drop from the image print medium or anozzle Monolithic color transfer roller. print heads are difficultElectro- The drops to be Very simple Requires very Silverbrook, EP 0771static pull printed are selected print head high electrostatic 658 A2and related on ink by some manner fabrication can field patentapplications (e.g. thermally be used Electrostatic field Tone-Jetinduced surface The drop for small nozzle tension reduction of selectionmeans sizes is above air pressurized ink). does not need to breakdownSelected drops are provide the Electrostatic field separated from theenergy required may attract dust ink in the nozzle by to separate the astrong electric drop from the field. nozzle Magnetic The drops to beVery simple Requires Silverbrook, EP 0771 pull on ink printed areselected print head magnetic ink 658 A2 and related by some mannerfabrication can Ink colors other patent applications (e.g. thermally beused than black are induced surface The drop difficult tension reductionof selection means Requires very pressurized ink). does not need to highmagnetic Selected drops are provide the fields separated from the energyrequired ink in the nozzle by to separate the a strong magnetic dropfrom the field acting on the nozzle magnetic ink. Shutter The actuatormoves High speed Moving parts are USSN 09/112,818; a shutter to block(>50 kHz) required 09/112,815; 09/112,808 ink flow to the operation canbe Requires ink nozzle. The ink achieved due to pressure pressure ispulsed at reduced refill modulator a multiple of the time Friction andwear drop ejection Drop timing can must be frequency. be very accurateconsidered The actuator Stiction is energy can be possible very lowShuttered The actuator moves Actuators with Moving parts are USSN09/113,066; grill a shutter to block small travel can required09/112,772; 09/113,096; ink flow through a be used Requires ink09/113,068 grill to the nozzle. Actuators with pressure The shuttersmall force can modulator movement need be used Friction and wear onlybe equal to the High speed must be width of the grill (>50 kHz)considered holes. operation can be Stiction is achieved possible PulsedA pulsed magnetic Extremely low Requires an USSN 09/112,779 magneticfield attracts an ‘ink energy external pulsed pull on ink pusher’ at thedrop operation is magnetic field pusher ejection frequency. possibleRequires special An actuator controls No heat materials for both acatch, which dissipation the actuator and prevents the ink problems theink pusher pusher from moving Complex when a drop is not construction tobe ejected.

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples None The actuator directly Simplicity of Dropejection Most ink jets, including fires the ink drop, constructionenergy must be piezoelectric and thermal and there is no Simplicity ofsupplied by bubble. external field or operation individual nozzle USSN09/112,751; other mechanism Small physical actuator 09/112,787;09/112,802; required. size 09/112,803; 09/113,097; 09/113,084;09/113,078; 09/113,077; 09/113,061; 09/112,816; 09/113,095; 09/112,809;09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794;09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811;09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767;09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820 Oscillating The inkpressure Oscillating ink Requires external Silverbrook, EP 0771 inkoscillates, providing pressure can ink pressure 658 A2 and relatedpressure much of the drop provide a refill oscillator patentapplications (including ejection energy. The pulse, allowing Inkpressure USSN 09/113,066; acoustic actuator selects higher operatingphase and 09/112,818; 09/112,772; stimu- which drops are to speedamplitude must 09/112,815; 09/113,096; lation) be fired by The actuatorsbe carefully 09/113,068; 09/112,808 selectively blocking may operatecontrolled or enabling nozzles. with much Acoustic The ink pressurelower energy reflections in the oscillation may be Acoustic lenses inkchamber achieved by can be used to must be designed vibrating the printfocus the sound for head, or preferably on the nozzles by an actuator inthe ink supply. Media The print head is Low power Precision Silverbrook,EP 0771 proximity placed in close High accuracy assembly 658 A2 andrelated proximity to the Simple print required patent applications printmedium. head Paper fibers may Selected drops construction cause problemsprotrude from the Cannot print on print head further rough substratesthan unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks intothe medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops areprinted to High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 roller a transferroller Wide range of Expensive 658 A2 and related instead of straight toprint substrates Complex patent applications the print medium. A can beused construction Tektronix hot melt transfer roller can Ink can bedried piezoelectric ink jet also be used for on the transfer Any of USSNproximity drop roller 09/112,751; 09/112,787; separation. 09/112,802;09/112,803; 09/113,097; 09/113,099; 09/113,084; 09/113,066; 09/112,778;09/112,779; 09/113,077; 09/113,061; 09/112,818; 09/112,816; 09/112,772;09/112,819; 09/112,815; 09/113,096; 09/113,068; 09/113,095; 09/112,808;09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793;09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754;09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765;09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821Electro- An electric field is Low power Field strength Silverbrook, EP0771 static used to accelerate Simple print required for 658 A2 andrelated selected drops head separation of patent applications towardsthe print construction small drops is Tone-Jet medium. near or above airbreakdown Direct A magnetic field is Low power Requires Silverbrook, EP0771 magnetic used to accelerate Simple print magnetic ink 658 A2 andrelated field selected drops of head Requires strong patent applicationsmagnetic ink construction magnetic field towards the print medium. CrossThe print head is Does not Requires external USSN 09/113,099; magneticplaced in a constant require magnet 09/112,819 field magnetic field. Themagnetic Current densities Lorenz force in a materials to be may behigh, current carrying integrated in the resulting in wire is used tomove print head electromigration the actuator. manufacturing problemsprocess Pulsed A pulsed magnetic Very low power Complex print USSN09/112,779 magnetic field is used to operation is head constructionfield cyclically attract a possible Magnetic paddle, which Small printhead materials pushes on the ink. A size required in print smallactuator head moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle frommoving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples None No actuator Operational Many actuatorThermal Bubble InkJet mechanical simplicity mechanisms USSN 09/112,751;amplification is have 09/112,787; 09/113,099; used. The actuatorinsufficient 09/113,084; 09/112,819; directly drives the travel, or09/113,121; 09/113,122 drop ejection insufficient process. force, toefficiently drive the drop ejection process Differential An actuatormaterial Provides greater High stresses Piezoelectric expansion expandsmore on travel in a are involved USSN 09/112,802; bend one side than onthe reduced print Care must be 09/112,778; 09/112,815; actuator other.The head area taken that the 09/113,096; 09/113,068; expansion may bematerials do not 09/113,095; 09/112,808; thermal, delaminate 09/112,809;09/112,780; piezoelectric, Residual bend 09/113,083; 09/112,793;magnetostrictive, or resulting from 09/113,128; 09/113,127; othermechanism. high 09/112,756; 09/112,755; The bend actuator temperature or09/112,754; 09/112,811; converts a high high stress 09/112,812;09/112,813; force low travel during 09/112,814; 09/112,764; actuatormechanism formation 09/112,765; 09/112,767; to high travel, lower09/112,768; 09/112,807; force mechanism. 09/112,806; 09/112,820Transient A trilayer bend Very good High stresses USSN 09/112,767; bendactuator where the temperature are involved 09/112,768 actuator twooutside layers stability Care must be are identical. This High speed, asa taken that the cancels bend due to new drop can be materials do notambient temperature fired before heat delaminate and residual stress.dissipates The actuator only Cancels residual responds to transientstress of heating of one side formation or the other. Reverse Theactuator loads a Better coupling Fabrication USSN 09/113,097; springspring. When the to the ink complexity 09/113,077 actuator is turnedHigh stress in off, the spring the spring releases. This can reverse theforce/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with theforce/time requirements of the drop ejection. Actuator A series of thinIncreased travel Increased Some piezoelectric ink stack actuators areReduced drive fabrication jets stacked. This can be voltage complexityUSSN 09/112,803 appropriate where Increased actuators requirepossibility of high electric field short circuits strength, such as dueto pinholes electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiplesmaller Increases the Actuator forces USSN 09/113,061; actuatorsactuators are used force available may not add 09/112,818; 09/113,096;simultaneously to from an actuator linearly, 09/113,095; 09/112,809;move the ink. Each Multiple reducing 09/112,794; 09/112,807; actuatorneed actuators can be efficiency 09/112,806 provide only a positioned toportion of the force control ink flow required. accurately Linear Alinear spring is Matches low Requires print USSN 09/112,772 Spring usedto transform a travel actuator head area for motion with small withhigher the spring travel and high force travel into a longer travel,requirements lower force motion. Non-contact method of motiontransformation Coiled A bend actuator is Increases travel Generally USSN09/112,815; actuator coiled to provide Reduces chip restricted to09/112,808; 09/112,811; greater travel in a area planar 09/112,812reduced chip area. Planar implementations implementations due to extremeare relatively fabrication easy to difficulty in fabricate. otherorientations. Flexure A bend actuator has Simple means Care must be USSN09/112,779; bend a small region near of increasing taken not to09/113,068; 09/112,754 actuator the fixture point, travel of a bendexceed the which flexes much actuator elastic limit in more readily thanthe flexure area the remainder of the Stress actuator. The distributionis actuator flexing is very uneven effectively Difficult to convertedfrom an accurately even coiling to an model with angular bend, finiteelement resulting in greater analysis travel of the actuator tip. CatchThe actuator Very low Complex USSN 09/112,779 controls a small actuatorenergy construction catch. The catch Very small Requires either enablesor actuator size external force disables movement Unsuitable for of anink pusher that pigmented inks is controlled in a bulk manner. GearsGears can be used to Low force, low Moving parts USSN 09/112,818increase travel at the travel actuators are required expense ofduration. can be used Several actuator Circular gears, rack Can becycles are and pinion, ratchets, fabricated using required and othergearing standard surface More complex methods can be MEMS driveelectronics used. processes Complex construction Friction, friction, andwear are possible Buckle A buckle plate can Very fast Must stay S.Hirata et al, “An Ink-jet plate be used to change a movement withinelastic Head Using Diaphragm slow actuator into a achievable limits ofthe Microactuator”, Proc. fast motion. It can materials for IEEE MEMS,Feb. 1996, also convert a high long device life pp 418–423. force, lowtravel High stresses USSN 09/113,096; actuator into a high involved09/112,793 travel, medium force Generally high motion. power requirementTapered A tapered magnetic Linearizes the Complex USSN 09/112,816magnetic pole can increase magnetic construction pole travel at theexpense force/distance of force. curve Lever A lever and fulcrum Matcheslow High stress USSN 09/112,755; is used to transform travel actuatoraround the 09/112,813; 09/112,814 a motion with small with higherfulcrum travel and high force travel into a motion with requirementslonger travel and Fulcrum area lower force. The has no linear lever canalso movement, and reverse the direction can be used for of travel. afluid seal Rotary The actuator is High Complex USSN 09/112,794 impellerconnected to a mechanical construction rotary impeller. A advantageUnsuitable for small angular The ratio of pigmented inks deflection ofthe force to travel actuator results in a of the actuator rotation ofthe can be matched impeller vanes, to the nozzle which push the inkrequirements by against stationary varying the vanes and out of thenumber of nozzle. impeller vanes Acoustic A refractive or No movingLarge area 1993 Hadimioglu et al, lens diffractive (e.g. zone partsrequired EUP 550,192 plate) acoustic lens Only relevant 1993 Elrod etal, EUP is used to for acoustic ink 572,220 concentrate sound jetswaves. Sharp A sharp point is Simple Difficult to Tone-jet conductiveused to concentrate construction fabricate using point an electrostaticfield. standard VLSI processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet Onlyrelevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume Thevolume of the Simple High energy is Hewlett-Packard Thermal expansionactuator changes, construction in typically InkJet pushing the ink inthe case of required to Canon Bubblejet all directions. thermal ink jetachieve volume expansion. This leads to thermal stress, cavitation, andkogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, The actuator movesEfficient High fabrication USSN 09/112,751; normal to in a directionnormal coupling to ink complexity may 09/112,787; 09/112,803; chip tothe print head drops ejected be required to 09/113,084; 09/113,077;surface surface. The nozzle normal to the achieve 09/112,816 istypically in the surface perpendicular line of movement. motion Parallelto The actuator moves Suitable for Fabrication USSN 09/113,061; chipparallel to the print planar complexity 09/112,818; 09/112,772; surfacehead surface. Drop fabrication Friction 09/112,754; 09/112,811; ejectionmay still be Stiction 09/112,812; 09/112,813 normal to the surface.Membrane An actuator with a The effective Fabrication 1982 Howkins U.S.Pat. push high force but small area of the complexity No. 4,459,601 areais used to push actuator Actuator size a stiff membrane becomes theDifficulty of that is in contact membrane area integration in a with theink. VLSI process Rotary The actuator causes Rotary levers Device USSN09/113,097; the rotation of some may be used to complexity 09/113,066;09/112,818; element, such a grill increase travel May have 09/112,794 orimpeller Small chip area friction at a requirements pivot point Bend Theactuator bends A very small Requires the 1970 Kyser et al U.S. whenenergized. change in actuator to be Pat. No. 3,946,398 This may be dueto dimensions can made from at 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. differentialthermal be converted to least two No. 3,747,120 expansion, a largemotion. distinct layers, 09/112,802; 09/112,778; piezoelectric or tohave a 09/112,779; 09/113,068; expansion, thermal 09/112,780;09/113,083; magnetostriction, or difference 09/113,121; 09/113,128;other form of across the 09/113,127; 09/112,756; relative dimensionalactuator 09/112,754; 09/112,811; change. 09/112,812 Swivel The actuatorswivels Allows Inefficient USSN 09/113,099 around a central operationwhere coupling to the pivot. This motion is the net linear ink motionsuitable where there force on the are opposite forces paddle is zeroapplied to opposite Small chip area sides of the paddle, requirementse.g. Lorenz force. Straighten The actuator is Can be used Requirescareful USSN 09/113,122; normally bent, and with shape balance of09/112,755 straightens when memory alloys stresses to energized. wherethe ensure that the austenic phase quiescent bend is planar is accurateDouble The actuator bends One actuator Difficult to USSN 09/112,813;bend in one direction can be used to make the drops 09/112,814;09/112,764 when one element is power two ejected by both energized, andnozzles. bend directions bends the other way Reduced chip identical.when another size. A small element is Not sensitive to efficiency lossenergized. ambient compared to temperature equivalent single bendactuators. Shear Energizing the Can increase the Not readily 1985Fishbeck U.S. Pat. actuator causes a effective travel applicable to No.4,584,590 shear motion in the of piezoelectric other actuator actuatormaterial. actuators mechanisms Radial The actuator Relatively easy Highforce 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. con- squeezes an ink to fabricate requiredNo. 3,683,212 striction reservoir, forcing single nozzles Inefficientink from a from glass Difficult to constricted nozzle. tubing asintegrate with macroscopic VLSI processes structures Coil/ A coiledactuator Easy to Difficult to USSN 09/112,815; uncoil uncoils or coilsfabricate as a fabricate for 09/112,808; 09/112,811; more tightly. Theplanar VLSI non-planar 09/112,812 motion of the free process devices endof the actuator Small area Poor out-of- ejects the ink. required, planestiffness therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows Can increase theMaximum USSN 09/112,819; (or buckles) in the speed of travel travel is09/113,096; 09/112,793 middle when Mechanically constrained energized.rigid High force required Push-Pull Two actuators The structure is Notreadily USSN 09/113,096 control a shutter. pinned at both suitable forink One actuator pulls ends, so has a jets which the shutter, and thehigh out-of- directly push other pushes it. plane rigidity the ink CurlA set of actuators Good fluid flow Design USSN 09/113,095; inwards curlinwards to to the region complexity 09/112,807 reduce the volume behindthe of ink that they actuator enclose. increases efficiency Curl A setof actuators Relatively Relatively large USSN 09/112,806 outwards curloutwards, simple chip area pressurizing ink in a construction chambersurrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in thechamber. Iris Multiple vanes High efficiency High fabrication USSN09/112,809 enclose a volume of Small chip area complexity ink. These Notsuitable for simultaneously pigmented inks rotate, reducing the volumebetween the vanes. Acoustic The actuator The actuator Large area 1993Hadimioglu et al, vibration vibrates at a high can be required for EUP550,192 frequency. physically efficient 1993 Elrod et al, EUP distantfrom the operation at 572,220 ink useful frequencies Acoustic couplingand crosstalk Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume andposition None In various ink jet No moving Various other Silverbrook, EP0771 658 designs the actuator parts tradeoffs are A2 and related patentdoes not move. required to applications eliminate Tone-jet moving parts

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Description Advantages Disadvantages ExamplesSurface This is the normal Fabrication Low speed Thermal ink jet tensionway that ink jets simplicity Surface tension Piezoelectric ink jet arerefilled. Operational force relatively USSN-09/112,751; After theactuator simplicity small compared to 09/113,084; 09/112,779; isenergized, it actuator force 09/112,816; 09/112,819; typically returnsLong refill time 09/113,095; 09/112,809; rapidly to its normal usuallydominates 09/112,780; 09/113,083; position. This rapid the totalrepetition 09/113,121; 09/113,122; return sucks in air rate 09/112,793;09/112,794; through the nozzle 09/113,128; 09/113,127; opening. The ink09/112,756; 09/112,755; surface tension at the 09/112,754; 09/112,811;nozzle then exerts a 09/112,812; 09/112,813; small force restoring09/112,814; 09/112,764; the meniscus to a 09/112,765; 09/112,767;minimum area. This 09/112,768; 09/112,807; force refills the 09/112,806;09/112,820; nozzle. 09/112,821 Shuttered Ink to the nozzle High speedRequires common USSN 09/113,066; oscillating chamber is provided at Lowactuator ink pressure 09/112,818; 09/112,772; ink pressure a pressurethat energy, as the oscillator 09/112,815; 09/113,096; oscillates attwice actuator need only May not be 09/113,068; 09/112,808 the dropejection open or close the suitable for frequency. When a shutter,instead of pigmented inks drop is to be ejected, ejecting the ink dropthe shutter is opened for 3 half cycles: drop ejection, actuator return,and refill. The shutter is then closed to prevent the nozzle chamberemptying during the next negative pressure cycle. Refill After the mainHigh speed, as Requires two USSN 09/112,778 actuator actuator hasejected a the nozzle is independent drop a second (refill) activelyrefilled actuators per actuator is energized. nozzle The refill actuatorpushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly,to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink Theink is held a High refill rate, Surface spill Silverbrook, EP pressureslight positive therefore a high must be 0771 658 A2 and pressure. Afterdrop repetition prevented related patent the ink drop is rate ispossible Highly applications ejected, the nozzle hydrophobic Alternativefor: USSN chamber fills quickly print head 09/112,751; 09/112,787; assurface tension surfaces are 09/112,802; 09/112,803; and ink pressurerequired 09/113,097; 09/113,099; both operate to 09/113,084; 09/112,779;refill the nozzle. 09/113,077; 09/113,061; 09/112,818; 09/112,816;09/112,819; 09/113,095; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121;09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128, 09/113,127; 09/112,756;09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814;09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806;09/112,820; 09/112,821

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet Design simplicityRestricts refill Thermal ink jet channel channel to the Operational ratePiezoelectric ink jet nozzle chamber simplicity May result in a USSN09/112,807; is made long and Reduces relatively large 09/112,806relatively narrow, crosstalk chip area relying on viscous Only partiallydrag to reduce effective inlet back-flow. Positive ink The ink is undera Drop selection Requires a method Silverbrook, EP pressure positivepressure, and separation (such as a nozzle 0771 658 A2 and so that inthe forces can be rim or effective related patent quiescent statereduced hydrophobizing, applications some of the ink Fast refill time orboth) to prevent Possible operation drop already protrudes flooding ofthe of the following: from the nozzle. ejection surface of USSN09/112,751; This reduces the the print head. 09/112,787; 09/112,802;pressure in the 09/112,803; 09/113,097; nozzle chamber 09/113,099;09/113,084; which is required 09/112,778; 09/112,779; to eject a certain09/113,077; 09/113,061; volume of ink. 09/112,816; 09/112,819; Thereduction in 09/113,095; 09/112,809; chamber pressure 09/112,780;09/113,083; results in a reduction 09/113,121; 09/113,122; in ink pushedout 09/112,793; 09/112,794; through the inlet. 09/113,128; 09/113,127;09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,813; 09/112,814;09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; Baffle One or morebaffles The refill rate is Design HP Thermal Ink Jet are placed in thenot as restricted complexity Tektronix inlet ink flow. as the long inletMay increase piezoelectric ink jet When the actuator method. fabricationis energized, the Reduces crosstalk complexity (e.g. rapid ink movementTektronix hot melt creates eddies which Piezoelectric restrict the flowprint heads). through the inlet. The slower refill process isunrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexible flap In thismethod recently Significantly Not applicable to Canon restrictsdisclosed by Canon, reduces back-flow most ink jet inlet the expandingactuator for edge-shooter configurations (bubble) pushes on a thermalink jet Increased flexible flap that devices fabrication restricts theinlet. complexity Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creepover extended use Inlet filter A filter is located Additional Restrictsrefill rate USSN 09/112,803; between the ink inlet advantage of Mayresult in complex 09/113,061; 09/113,083; and the nozzle ink filtrationconstruction 09/112,793; 09/113,128; chamber. The filter Ink filter maybe 09/113,127 has a multitude of fabricated with no small holes orslots, additional process restricting ink flow. steps The filter alsoremoves particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inletchannel Design simplicity Restricts refill rate USSN 09/112,787;compared to the nozzle chamber May result in a 09/112,814; 09/112,820 tonozzle has a substantially relatively large smaller cross section chiparea than that of the Only partially nozzle, resulting effective ineasier ink egress out of the nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutterA secondary actuator Increases speed Requires separate USSN 09/112,778controls the position of the ink-jet refill actuator and of a shutter,closing print head drive circuit off the ink inlet when operation themain actuator is energized. The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flowRequires careful USSN 09/112,751; located problem of inlet back- problemis design to minimize 09/112,802; 09/113,097; behind the flow byarranging eliminated the negative 09/113,099; 09/113,084; ink-pushingthe ink-pushing pressure behind 09/112,779; 09/113,077; surface surfaceof the the paddle 09/112,816; 09/112,819; actuator between 09/112,809;09/112,780; the inlet and the 09/113,121; 09/112,794; nozzle.09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813;09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768 Part of the The actuator and aSignificant Small increase USSN 09/113,084; actuator wall of the inkreductions in in fabrication 09/113,095; 09/113,122; moves to chamberare arranged back-flow can complexity 09/112,764 shut off so that themotion of be achieved the inlet the actuator closes Compact designs offthe inlet. possible Nozzle In some configurations Ink back-flow Nonerelated to Silverbrook, EP actuator of ink jet, there is problem is inkback-flow 0771 658 A2 and does not no expansion or eliminated onactuation related patent result in ink movement of an applicationsback-flow actuator which may Valve-jet cause ink back-flow Tone-jetthrough the inlet.

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Description Advantages Disadvantages ExamplesNormal All of the nozzles are No added May not be Most ink jet nozzlefiring fired periodically, complexity on sufficient to systems beforethe ink has a the print head displace dried USSN 09/112,751; chance todry. When ink 09/112,787; 09/112,802; not in use the nozzles 09/112,803;09/113,097; are sealed (capped) 09/113,099; 09/113,084; against air.09/112,778; 09/112,779; The nozzle firing is 09/113,077; 09/113,061;usually performed 09/112,816; 09/112,819; during a special 09/113,095;09/112,809; clearing cycle, after 09/112,780; 09/113,083; first movingthe print 09/113,121; 09/113,122; head to a cleaning 09/112,793;09/112,794; station. 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755;09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765;09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821Extra power In systems which heat Can be highly Requires higherSilverbrook, EP to ink heater the ink, but do not effective if the drivevoltage 0771 658 A2 and boil it under normal heater is adjacent forclearing related patent situations, nozzle to the nozzle May requireapplications clearing can be larger drive achieved by over- transistorspowering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator isfired Does not require Effectiveness May be used with: succession inrapid succession. extra drive circuits depends substantially USSN09/112,751; of actuator In some configurations, on the print head uponthe configuration 09/112,787; 09/112,802; pulses this may cause heat Canbe readily of the ink jet nozzle 09/112,803; 09/113,097; build-up at thenozzle controlled and 09/113,099; 09/113,084; which boils the ink,initiated by 09/112,778; 09/112,779; clearing the nozzle. In digitallogic 09/113,077; 09/112,816; other situations, it 09/112,819;09/113,095; may cause sufficient 09/112,809; 09/112,780; vibrations todislodge 09/113,083; 09/113,121; clogged nozzles. 09/112,793;09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754;09/112,811; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767;09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821 Extra Wherean actuator is A simple solution Not suitable where May be used with:USSN power to not normally driven to where applicable there is a hardlimit 09/112,802; 09/112,778; ink pushing the limit of its motion, toactuator movement 09/112,819; 09/113,095; actuator nozzle clearing maybe 09/112,780; 09/113,083; assisted by providing 09/113,121; 09/112,793;an enhanced drive 09/113,128; 09/113,127; signal to the actuator.09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807;09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821 Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A highnozzle High implementation USSN 09/113,066; resonance applied to the inkclearing capability cost if system 09/112,818; 09/112,772; chamber. Thiswave can be achieved does not already 09/112,815; 09/113,096; is of anappropriate May be implemented include an acoustic 09/113,068;09/112,808 amplitude and at very low cost in actuator frequency to causesystems which already sufficient force at the include acoustic nozzle toclear actuators blockages. This is easiest to achieve if the ultrasonicwave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle Amicrofabricated Can clear severely Accurate mechanical Silverbrook, EPclearing plate is pushed clogged nozzles alignment is required 0771 658A2 and plate against the nozzles. Moving parts are related patent Theplate has a post required applications for every nozzle. There is riskof A post moves through damage to the each nozzle, displacing nozzlesdried ink. Accurate fabrication is required Ink The pressure of the Maybe effective Requires pressure May be used with pressure ink istemporarily where other pump or other ink jets covered by pulseincreased so that ink methods cannot be pressure actuator USSN09/112,751; streams from all of used Expensive 09/112,787; 09/112,802;the nozzles. This Wasteful of ink 09/112,803; 09/113,097; may be used in09/113,099; 09/113,084; conjunction with 09/113,066; 09/112,778;actuator energizing. 09/112,779; 09/113,077; 09/113,061; 09/112,818;09/112,816; 09/112,772; 09/112,819; 09/112,815; 09/113,096; 09/113,068;09/113,095; 09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121;09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756;09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814;09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806;09/112,820; 09/112,821 Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is Effective forDifficult to use Many ink jet systems wiper wiped across the printplanar print if print head surface head surface. The head surfaces isnon-planar or blade is usually Low cost very fragile fabricated from aRequires mechanical flexible polymer, e.g. parts rubber or syntheticBlade can wear elastomer. out in high volume print systems Separate Aseparate heater is Can be effective Fabrication Can be used with manyink boiling provided at the nozzle where other nozzle complexity inkjets covered by USSN heater although the normal clearing methods09/112,751; 09/112,787; drop e-ection mechanism cannot be used09/112,802; 09/112,803; does not require it. The Can be implemented09/113,097; 09/113,099; heaters do not require at no additional cost09/113,084; 09/113,066; individual drive in some inkjet 09/112,778;09/112,779; circuits, as many configurations 09/113,077; 09/113,061;nozzles can be cleared 09/112,818; 09/112,816; simultaneously, and no09/112,772; 09/112,819; imaging is required. 09/112,815; 09/113,096;09/113,068; 09/113,095; 09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083;09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127;09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813;09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807;09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Description Advantages Disadvantages ExamplesElectro- A nozzle plate is Fabrication High temperatures Hewlett Packardformed separately fabricated simplicity and pressures are Thermal Inkjet nickel from electroformed required to bond nickel, and bonded tonozzle plate the print head chip. Minimum thickness constraintsDifferential thermal expansion Laser Individual nozzle No masks requiredEach hole must Canon Bubblejet ablated or holes are ablated by Can bequite fast be individually 1988 Sercel et drilled an intense UV laserSome control formed al., SPIE, Vol. 998 polymer in a nozzle plate, overnozzle profile Special equipment Excimer Beam which is typically a ispossible required Applications, pp. polymer such as Equipment requiredSlow where there 76–83 polyimide or is relatively low cost are manythousands 1993 Watanabe polysulphone of nozzles per et al., U.S. Pat.No. print head 5,208,604 May produce thin burrs at exit holes Silicon Aseparate nozzle High accuracy is Two part K. Bean, IEEE micro- plate ismicromachined attainable construction Transactions on machined fromsingle crystal High cost Electron Devices, silicon, and bonded toRequires Vol. ED-25, No. 10, the print head wafer. precision alignment1978, pp 1185–1195 Nozzles may be Xerox 1990 clogged by adhesive Hawkinset al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries Noexpensive Very small 1970 Zoltan capillaries are drawn from glassequipment required nozzle sizes are U.S. Pat. No. tubing. This methodSimple to make difficult to form 3,683,212 has been used for singlenozzles Not suited for making individual mass production nozzles, but isdifficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands ofnozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is High accuracy Requiressacrificial Silverbrook, EP surface deposited as a layer (<1 μm) layerunder the 0771 658 A2 and micro- using standard VLSI Monolithic nozzleplate to related patent machined deposition techniques. Low cost formthe nozzle applications using VLSI Nozzles are etched in Existingchamber USSN 09/112,751; litho- the nozzle plate using processes canSurface may be 09/112,787; 09/112,803; graphic VLSI lithography be usedfragile to the 09/113,077; 09/113,061; processes and etching. touch09/112,815; 09/113,096; 09/113,095; 09/112,809; 09/113,083; 09/112,793;09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754;09/112,811; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767;09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820 Monolithic, The nozzleplate is a High accuracy Requires long USSN 09/112,802; etched buriedetch stop in (<1 μm) etch times 09/113,097; 09/113,099; through thewafer. Nozzle Monolithic Requires a support 09/113,084; 09/113,066;substrate chambers are etched in Low cost wafer 09/112,778; 09/112,779;the front of the wafer, No differential 09/112,818; 09/112,816; and thewafer is expansion 09/112,772; 09/112,819; thinned from the back09/113,068; 09/112,808; side. Nozzles are then 09/112,780; 09/113,121;etched in the etch 09/113,122 stop layer. No nozzle Various methods haveNo nozzles to Difficult to control Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al plate beentried to eliminate become clogged drop position U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413the nozzles entirely, accurately 1993 Hadimioglu to prevent nozzleCrosstalk problems et al EUP 550,192 clogging. These 1993 Elrod et alinclude thermal bubble EUP 572,220 mechanisms and acoustic lensmechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has Reduced Drop firing USSN09/112,812 a trough through manufacturing direction is which a paddlemoves. complexity sensitive There is no nozzle Monolithic to wicking.plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of No nozzles to Difficult to control1989 Saito et al instead of nozzle holes and become clogged dropposition U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 individual replacement by a slitaccurately nozzles encompassing many Crosstalk problems actuatorpositions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to inksurface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Description Advantages Disadvantages ExamplesEdge Ink flow is along Simple construction Nozzles limited CanonBubblejet (‘edge the surface of the No silicon etching to edge 1979 Endoet al GB shooter’) chip, and ink drops required High resolution patent2,007,162 are ejected from the Good heat sinking is difficult Xeroxheater-in-pit chip edge. via substrate Fast color 1990 Hawkins et alMechanically strong printing requires U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Ease ofchip handing one print head Tone-jet per color Surface Ink flow is alongthe No bulk silicon Maximum ink flow Hewlett-Packard (‘roof surface ofthe chip, etching required is severely TIJ 1982 Vaught et al shooter’)and ink drops are Silicon can make restricted U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728ejected from the chip an effective heat USSN 09/112,787, surface, normalto the sink 09/113,077; 09/113,061; plane of the chip. Mechanicalstrength 09/113,095; 09/112,809 Through Ink flow is through High inkflow Requires bulk Silverbrook, EP chip, the chip, and ink Suitable forsilicon etching 0771 658 A2 and forward drops are ejected pagewidthprint related patent (‘up from the front heads applications shooter’)surface of the chip. High nozzle USSN 09/112,803; packing density09/112,815; 09/113,096; therefore low 09/113,083; 09/112,793;manufacturing cost 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756;09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814;09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806;09/112,820; 09/112,821 Through Ink flow is through High ink flowRequires wafer USSN 09/112,751; chip, the chip, and ink Suitable forthinning 09/112,802; 09/113,097; reverse drops are ejected pagewidthprint Requires special 09/113,099; 09/113,084; (‘down from the rearheads handling during 09/113,066; 09/112,778; shooter’) surface of thechip. High nozzle manufacture 09/112,779; 09/112,818; packing density09/112,816; 09/112,772; therefore low 09/112,819; 09/113,068;manufacturing cost 09/112,808; 09/112,780; 09/113,121; 09/113,122Through Ink flow is through Suitable for Pagewidth print Epson Stylusactuator the actuator, which piezoelectric heads require Tektronix hotmelt is not fabricated as print heads several thousand piezoelectric inkjets part of the same connections to substrate as the drive circuitsdrive transistors. Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS fabs Complexassembly required

INK TYPE Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, Waterbased ink Environmentally Slow drying Most existing ink jets dye whichtypically friendly Corrosive USSN 09/112,751; contains: water, No odorBleeds on paper 09/112,787; 09/112,802; dye, surfactant, Maystrikethrough 09/112,803; 09/113,097; humectant, and Cockles paper09/113,099; 09/113,084; biocide. 09/113,066; 09/112,778; Modern ink dyeshave 09/112,779; 09/113,077; high water-fastness, 09/113,061;09/112,818; light fastness 09/112,816; 09/112,772; 09/112,819;09/112,815; 09/113,096; 09/113,068; 09/113,095; 09/112,808; 09/112,809;09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794;09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811;09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767;09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821 Silverbrook,EP 0771 658 A2 and related patent applications Aqueous, Water based inkEnvironmentally Slow drying USSN 09/112,787; pigment which typicallyfriendly Corrosive 09/112,803; 09/112,808; contains: water, No odorPigment may clog 09/113,122; 09/112,793; pigment, surfactant, Reducedbleed nozzles 09/113,127 humectant, and Reduced wicking Pigment may clogSilverbrook, EP 0771 biocide. Reduced actuator mechanisms 658 A2 andrelated patent Pigments have an strikethrough Cockles paper applicationsadvantage in reduced Piezoelectric ink-jets bleed, wicking and Thermalink jets strikethrough. (with significant restrictions) Methyl MEK is ahighly Very fast drying Odorous USSN 09/112,751; Ethyl volatile solventused Prints on various Flammable 09/112,787; 09/112,802; Ketone forindustrial substrates such as 09/112,803; 09/113,097; (MEK) printing ondiffi- metals and plastics 09/113,099; 09/113,084; cult surfaces such09/113,066; 09/112,778; as aluminum cans. 09/112,779; 09/113,077;09/113,061; 09/112,818; 09/112,816; 09/112,772; 09/112,819; 09/112,815;09/113,096; 09/113,068; 09/113,095; 09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780;09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128;09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812;09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768;09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821 Alcohol Alcohol basedinks Fast drying Slight odor USSN 09/112,751; (ethanol, 2- can be usedwhere Operates at sub- Flammable 09/112,787; 09/112,802; butanol, theprinter must freezing 09/112,803; 09/113,097; and others) operate attemperatures temperatures 09/113,099; 09/113,084; below the freezingReduced paper 09/113,066; 09/112,778; point of water. An cockle09/112,779; 09/113,077; example of this Low cost 09/113,061; 09/112,818;is in-camera 09/112,816; 09/112,772; consumer photo- 09/112,819;09/112,815; graphic printing. 09/113,096; 09/113,068; 09/113,095;09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122;09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755;09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764;09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820;09/112,821 Phase The ink is solid at No drying time- High viscosityTektronix hot melt change room temperature, and ink instantly Printedink piezoelectric ink jets (hot melt) is melted in the print freezes onthe typically has a 1989 Nowak head before jetting. print medium ‘waxy’feel U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,346 Hot melt inks are Almost any print Printedpages USSN 09/112,751; usually wax based, medium can be used may ‘block’09/112,787; 09/112,802; with a melting point No paper cockle Inktemperature 09/112,803; 09/113,097; around 80° C. After occurs may beabove the 09/113,099; 09/113,084; jetting the ink freezes No wickingcurie point of 09/113,066; 09/112,778; almost instantly upon occurspermanent magnets 09/112,779; 09/113,077; contacting the print No bleedoccurs Ink heaters consume 09/113,061; 09/112,818; medium or a transferNo strikethrough power 09/112,816; 09/112,772; roller. occurs Longwarm-up time 09/112,819; 09/112,815; 09/113,096; 09/113,068; 09/113,095;09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122;09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755;09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764;09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820;09/112,821 Oil Oil based inks are High solubility High viscosity: USSN09/112,751; extensively used in medium for some this is a signi-09/112,787; 09/112,802; offset printing. dyes ficant limitation09/112,803; 09/113,097; They have advantages Does not cockle for use ininkjets, 09/113,099; 09/113,084; in improved paper which usually require09/113,066; 09/112,778; characteristics on Does not wick a lowviscosity. Some 09/112,779; 09/113,077; paper (especially through papershort chain and 09/113,061; 09/112,818; no wicking or cockle).multi-branched oils 09/112,816; 09/112,772; Oil soluble dies and have asufficiently 09/112,819; 09/112,815; pigments are required. lowviscosity. 09/113,096; 09/113,068; Slow drying 09/113,095; 09/112,808;09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083; 09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793;09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127; 09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754;09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813; 09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765;09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807; 09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821Micro- A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher USSN09/112,751; emulsion stable, self forming High dye than water09/112,787; 09/112,802; emulsion of oil, water, solubility Cost isslightly 09/112,803; 09/113,097; and surfactant. The Water, oil, andhigher than water 09/113,099; 09/113,084; characteristic dropamphiphilic based ink 09/113,066; 09/112,778; size is less than solubledies High surfactant 09/112,779; 09/113,077; 100 nm, and is can be usedconcentration 09/113,061; 09/112,818; determined by the Can stabilizerequired (around 09/112,816; 09/112,772; preferred curvature pigment 5%)09/112,819; 09/112,815; of the surfactant. suspensions 09/113,096;09/113,068; 09/113,095; 09/112,808; 09/112,809; 09/112,780; 09/113,083;09/113,121; 09/113,122; 09/112,793; 09/112,794; 09/113,128; 09/113,127;09/112,756; 09/112,755; 09/112,754; 09/112,811; 09/112,812; 09/112,813;09/112,814; 09/112,764; 09/112,765; 09/112,767; 09/112,768; 09/112,807;09/112,806; 09/112,820; 09/112,821

1. A method of operating a digital camera of a type including a readerto read instructions in printed form from printed media and an imageprinter for printing images, the method including: storing a capturedimage in a memory internal to the digital camera; reading first imagemanipulation instructions from a surface of a first printed media, thefirst image manipulation instructions being an image manipulationalgorithm; creating a captured manipulated image from the captured imageon the basis of the algorithm represented by the first imagemanipulation instructions; reading second image manipulationinstructions from a surface of a second printed media, the second imagemanipulation instructions being instructions for instructing the digitalcamera to combine the first image manipulation instructions with furtherimage manipulation instructions; reading the further image manipulationinstructions from a surface of a third print media, the further imagemanipulation instructions being a further image manipulation algorithm;modifying the captured manipulated image in accordance with the furtherimage manipulation algorithm to obtain a modified captured manipulatedimage; and printing the modified captured manipulated image with theimage printer.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the memoryincludes a number of test routines for the digital camera.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2, including initiating one or more of the number oftest routines in response to instructions borne upon a printed mediainserted into the card reader.
 4. A method according to claim 3, whereinthe number of test routines includes printing out a test pattern withthe image printer.
 5. A method according to claim 4 including monitoringprint quality of the image printer by comparing test patterns printedout at different times.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein thestep of reading image manipulation instructions from a surface of theprinted media comprises a step of scanning the printed media with anoptical scanner.